Confirmation bias refers to the tendency for individuals to seek out and pay attention to information that confirms their preexisting beliefs, while simultaneously ignoring or downplaying information that challenges or contradicts those beliefs. This cognitive bias can lead people to make judgments that are not based on objective evidence, but rather on their own subjective beliefs and assumptions.

One of the key ways in which confirmation bias manifests is through selective attention. People tend to focus on information that aligns with their preexisting beliefs and values, and may overlook or discount information that does not fit with their worldview. This can lead to a distorted perception of reality, as individuals only consider a narrow range of information and ignore alternative viewpoints or evidence.

Confirmation bias can also affect the way that people interpret and remember information. For example, individuals may selectively remember information that supports their beliefs, while forgetting or minimizing information that challenges them. This can result in a distorted recollection of events or information, as people selectively retain and recall information that aligns with their beliefs.

Confirmation bias can have significant consequences, as it can lead people to make poor decisions based on incomplete or biased information. In addition, it can contribute to the formation of echo chambers, in which individuals only interact with others who share their beliefs and values, leading to the reinforcement of their preexisting views and the exclusion of alternative perspectives.

In short, confirmation bias can lead to distorted perceptions of reality and poor decision-making, and can contribute to the formation of echo chambers.